The Lives of Others

The Lives of Others London Tickets

The Lives of Others arrives at the Adelphi Theatre in a strictly limited run from 14 October 2026, bringing a powerful new stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning story to London. Starring Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley (Pride & Prejudice, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Atonement), Emmy Award winner Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, The Tunnel, The Hours) and Olivier Award nominee Luke Thompson (Bridgerton, Dunkirk, Oresteia), this production explores surveillance, censorship and the hidden cost of watching others. Catch The Lives of Others West End and book your tickets today.

Why See The Lives of Others at the Adelphi Theatre?

Drawing on his award-winning work on Oedipus, Oresteia and Romeo & Juliet, Robert Icke brings his acclaimed direction to this gripping adaptation. With an Oscar-winning source film and a cast including Emmy Award-winners and Oscar nominees, The Lives of Others at the Adelphi Theatr_e_ promises to be a must-see event. 

• Directed by two-time Olivier Award-winner, Robert Icke.
• The production stars Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane and Luke Thompson. 
• The play is adapted from the Oscar-winning 2006 film.

What is The Lives of Others about?

Set in East Germany in 1984, the story follows a Stasi officer tasked with monitoring a writer and an actor, placing their private lives under constant surveillance. From an attic listening post, he listens in on their conversations and observes their every move. But as the act of watching continues, the officer begins to be changed by what he hears, and the boundaries between observer and subject, duty and empathy, start to shift. This gripping play explores state control, artistic freedom, power and complicity while keeping its most important revelations under wraps.

Please note: The production contains adult themes, including sexual coercion and suicide.

Facts and critical acclaim

• Based on the Oscar-winning 2006 film.
• Writer and director, Robert Icke, is a two-time Tony Award nominee. He is the recipient of two Evening Standard Theatre Awards, two Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards, a Drama Desk Award and two Olivier Awards. He was the youngest ever person to win an Olivier Award for Best Director, taking home his first in 2016 aged 29.
• Kiera Knightly has been nominated for two Oscars, three BAFTAs and four Golden Globes and an Olivier Award. Harper’s Bazaar named her British Actress of the Year in 2018, and gave her the Theatre Icon Award in 2016.
• Stephen Dillane is the recipient of a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Evening Standard Theatre Award, Critics’ Circle Theatre Award and a BAFTA. 
• Luke Thompson is a WhatsOnStage Award winner and has been nominated for an Olivier Award, Evening Standard Theatre Award and two Screen Actor Guild Awards.

The Lives of Others cast

• Christa-Maria Sieland - Keira Knightley
• Gerd Wiesler - Stephen Dillane
• Georg Dreyman - Luke Thompson

The Lives of Others creatives

• Adaptor and Director - Robert Icke
• Designer - Hildegard Bechtler
• Lighting Designer - Jon Clark
• Sound Designer - Giles Thomas
• Original Music - Max Richter

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The Lives of Others FAQs

What age is The Lives of Others suitable for?

The production contains themes of an adult nature, including sexual coercion and suicide. And therefore is recommended for ages 14+

Is The Lives of Others based on a true story?

The Lives of Others is based on Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s acclaimed 2006 film. Rather than a specific true story, the production draws on the real historical context of East Germany and the Stasi surveillance state.